FHP Searches for Hit and Run Driver

Two other drivers received minor injuries in the crash, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY – Florida Highway Patrol troopers are searching for a hit and run driver who caused a three-car crash on I-4 on Friday (July 7) that injured two other drivers.

Mariah Braddy, 21, of Auburndale, was taken to Brandon Regional Hospital with minor injuries. Jessica Wilcox, 38, of Lakeland, also suffered minor injuries but was not taken to a hospital.

The crash happened about 4:33 p.m. in the center lane of eastbound I-4 east of I-75. Troopers said Wilcox, who was driving a 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis, and Braddy, who was driving a 2012 Kia Forte, were in stopped traffic. The unknown driver failed to stop and rear ended the Forte which was pushed into the rear of the Mercury.

After the impact, the unknown driver fled the scene and exited at Mango Road where he stopped briefly to check the damage to his vehicle.Troopers said he then continued to U.S. 92 and Williams Road.

The unknown driver was described as a man who is about 5-feet 6-inches tall with a shaved head and tattoos on both arms. He was wearing no shirt and baggy tan shorts. The car he was driving was described as a 2010-2013 gray-blue, four-door Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck. It had black after-market rims and a chrome bumper with minimal damage to the front bumper. It had a temporary license plate. Anyone with any information about the driver or the truck is asked to call the FHP at (813) 631-4020.